The Loop Track

The idea came from two Cambridge women who made a casual comment to our Chairman, Don Willoughby, that it would be nice to have a loop track around the end of the hill where bluegums had been felled, and leading up to the level ground at the top.

This was a lot harder to do than it looked. The higher ground is very steep, and needed stairs. Water run-off is a problem too. There is a depression at the top which collects a lot of rainwater and sends it down a channel in the soft sandy hillside. It wasn't impossible, though, and provides a nice short walk with views of the lake and some of the countryside. Eventually, when the trees grow, it will be a bush walk. The red lines in the photos are our markers.

Much to our astonishment, Waipa District Council reversed its initial stance and gave the green light to this project, including all funding. Here are their contractors at work on the lower part of the track in March 2015. The staircase for the higher part is being made.

In early 2016, the steep top pitch of this track was given its own staircase, and is now much easier to climb.

Man proposes, and Nature disposes. She disposed of several tons of sand on to the carpark at the bottom of the gully where we intended to plant flaxes in week or two. Heavy rain all day on the 18th April 2015 collected in the basin at the top of the gully, seeped under the pile of woodchips used as a dam, and washed down the gully. Sand and mulch all ended up in a pile in the carpark.

Despite all this, the track was finished at the end of June 2015, although the top pitch is pretty steep and really should have a staircase. It has already proved popular, and athletes love it. Lots of stairs and a stiff, though short, uphill slog.

Washout 1

Washout 2

Washout 3

Washout 4

Washout 5.

Washout 6

Washout 7

Washout 8

Washout 9

Washout 10

Washout 11

Washout 12

Washout 13

Washout 14

Washout 15

Washout 16

Washout 17

Marker 1The car-park end of the track.

Marker 2

Marker 3

Marker 4

Marker 5

Marker 6

Marker 7

Marker 8

Marker 9

Marker 10

Marker 11Top of the hill.

At the top of the Loop TrackFlat land to be built on.

Lake Te Ko Utu.This view is at the top of the return track.

A view from the top.

Looking towards MaungakawaThe view from the top.

The rain-catching bowl.

Under construction, June 2015.

A bit further up.

The high road...

Down and around from the Camellia Walk.

Replanting is well under way.

This part of the track is very steep.

The way down to the lower part of the track.

Search Our Site

This year's AGM will be held at the Nursery, 89 Thornton Rd., at 10:30am on Tuesday 12th December.

Morning tea will be provided from 10:30, and the meeting proper will start at 11.00.

Come along and be part of the action around town!

Bank account for donations: Kiwibank, 38-9005-0635102-01

The 3-minute video below shows what we can do with your donations. Click the "play" arrow, then the "full screen" box at the bottom right of the picture and the video will play in high definition.